My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 242

Sienna

Dad's eyes landed on me, flicking briefly between Alexander and me before drifting to the file in my hands. His lips parted. "You brought it, Princess," he exclaimed. "Evie reminded you, didn't she?"

As soon as I saw my dad, I swallowed the curses threatening to spill. My anger hadn't lessened, but I knew better than to let it loose here. "Yeah, Mom forced me to come instead of coming herself. She's busy with some new book," I muttered, rolling my eyes and handing him the file. "Here. I'll leave now."

I turned to go, but Dad's voice stopped me in my tracks. "Wait, Princess. Have you met Alex?"

God. Dad and his insufferable habit of introducing me to his business partners.

"Well, Mr. Adriano," Alexander said smoothly, "we already know each other. We went to the same school-Riverstone High."

I clenched my fists at my sides, suppressing the urge to lash out. Everything about Alexander Grayson infuriated me his voice, his smug expression, even the way he breathed.

"What? Really?" Dad's eyes widened with surprise. "That's unexpected. Even if you already know him, I'd still like to formally introduce you. This is Alex, my new business partner. We're working on a project together."

He smiled, "Project Sienna."

My head snapped up. What in the damn hell?

Out of all the names in the world, my dad chose to name a project after me. And of all the people he could partner with, he picked Alexander-fucking-Grayson?

"What?" I asked, my voice betraying my disbelief. My eyes darted to Alex, whose lips curved into that infuriating smirk. He was enjoying this. Of course he was.

"We were struggling to come up with a name," Dad explained, walking around his desk to sit down. "So I suggested yours. Simple and elegant!"

"That was... really stupid, Dad," I stammered. "Why would you name it after me?"

"Why? What's wrong with that, Sienna?" Alex interjected, his tone dripping with mock innocence.

My jaw tightened, and I shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel.

"Listen, Sienna," Dad said, chuckling. "Your mom and I chose that name for you, so we have every right to use it. Don't complain."

"But Dad-"

"No buts," he interrupted, already flipping through the file. "By the way, have you sent in your paintings yet? Don't tell me you're late again. You sent the last exhibit late, too."

"I'll send them soon. Don't worry."

"Good. By the way, Alex, I don't know if you know this, but Sienna's a painter. Her work has been featured in galleries worldwide. Some of her pieces have sold for over a million at auctions. Her art is absolutely_"

"Amazing," Alex finished, cutting him off effortlessly. His gaze, however, never left mine.

surprised. "You've seen her

though his eyes held something deeper. "I've always

he began naming my paintings. "Phantom's Solace... Maiden's Heart... Angel Without Wings..." His voice dropped

the air heavier, as he finished. "And

one! Darkness of the Heart," Dad chimed in, his voice

was something in the way his blue eyes darkened-a quiet intensity that stirred an unease deep within

My breathing quickened, and my heart pounded so loudly it felt like the entire

do. I'll leave now," I said, my voice sharp, betraying my agitation. I nodded curtly toward Alex, my

lingering gaze, I turned on my

down the hall, my heart thundering against my ribcage. The air felt too thick, suffocating, and I couldn't seem

****

holding up a sleek, red dress against myself, glancing at

didn't even lift his eyes from his

smile faltered. A tired sigh escaped me as I set the dress back on

know I'm not good at this stuff," he said with an exaggerated sigh. "You'd look good in anything you wear. I

here to pick out a dress, and all you've done since we

his phone into his pocket and walked over, cupping my face gently. "Okay, I'm sorry," he whispered, his lips brushing softly against mine in apology. His smile no matter how small or how

might be

to melt me.

again."

s

said that so many times before.

times, I knew it wouldn't

a sigh and nodded, giving him the faintest

could I do?

the most beautiful, amazing, talented person I've ever met. And the best part? She doesn't need

find the perfect dress. So let's do this."

everything, a laugh slipped past my

racks, picking out dresses, shoes, and accessories. For a moment, it felt almost normal, like we were just another happy couple When

he said, leaning in to kiss my cheek. "I'll

quick. Wait here, okay?"

back into the shop. Alone now,

Then my phone buzzed.

it from my bag, I frowned at the unknown number flashing

text.

the better of me, and I

always been good at reading people, but I can't for the life

out why you're still

My eyes darted around the parking lot, scanning for any sign of the sender. But there was no one. Just strangers rushing